SYSTEM TO A USER

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a virtual reality (VR) display system; and more specifically, to systems and methods for stabilizing a virtual reality (VR) display system to a user.

BACKGROUND

Generally, virtual reality (VR) systems have been used in a variety of applications such as medicine, sports, tourism, and education to present a virtual (or augmented) reality to a user. In many cases, these VR systems may be implemented for use in a headset that can be worn by the user. However, as the VR system in the headset can lie in proximity to the user’s eye, prolonged exposure of the VR system can cause eye strain. Moreover, if the headset-based VR system is used by multiple users, a possibility of an eye or a skin related infections may increase for each user.

Further, use of the headset-based VR system can also render the user oblivious to the surroundings thereby making the user susceptible to accidents such as tripping and falling over objects or living things such as, for example, pets. Furthermore, conventionally known headset-mounted VR systems have been known to also be adequately heavy enough, for example, in the range of approximately 450 grams or more, and this weight of the headset-mounted VR system can be typically borne by the user’s head and spine thereby also increase the possibility of the user experiencing discomfort and fatigue if the headset-mounted VR system is worn for extended periods of time.

To overcome the foregoing drawbacks, in some cases, a fixed substrate can be used to mount the VR system thereon. However, when movement occurs in the positioning of the user’s head and/or gaze direction relative to the stationary VR system, the VR system may become incompetent, owing to the fixed positioning of the substrate, to account for the change in the positioning of the user’s head and/or gaze direction.

Hence, in light of the foregoing discussion, there exist a need for a system and method for stabilizing a virtual reality (VR) display system to a user while overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks that are typically associated with conventional techniques of mounting a VR system.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a system and a method for stabilizing a virtual reality (VR) display system to a user so that the stabilized VR display system can account for changes in the positioning of the head and a change in the gaze direction of the user for providing a seamless virtual reality experience to the user.

An object of the present is to overcome one or more disadvantages associated with conventional systems.

An object of the present is to provide a stabilizer device for a virtual reality (VR) display system.

An object of the present invention is to enable a user to experience virtual reality without wearing the VR display system.

An object of the present invention is the to automatically adjusts the VR display system which is mounted on a stand.

An object of the present invention is to provide a seamless experience of the VR display system.

An object of the present invention is to provide a self-alignment of the VR display system according to movement of the user head.

An object of the present invention is to provide a self -alignment of the VR display system according to movement of the user gazing direction.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure seeks to provide a stabilizer device for stabilizing a virtual reality (VR) display system to a user. The present disclosure also seeks to provide a method for stabilizing a virtual reality (VR) display system to a user. According to a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a stabilizer device for stabilizing a virtual reality (VR) display system to a user, the stabilizer device comprising:

- a mounting means for mounting the VR display system;

- a suspension system;

- a sensing device associated with the mounting means, the sensing device configured to sense one or more parameters associated with a viewing position and a head position of the user;

- a processor communicatively coupled to the sensing device and the suspension system, the processor configured to:

- receive the sensed one or more parameters from the sensing device;

- determine a change in the one or more parameters received from the sensing device;

- determine a corresponding change required in the positioning of the VR display system relative to the user based on the change in the one or more parameters; and

- actuate the suspension system to change the positioning of the VR display system based on the determined change required in the positioning of the VR display system relative to the user.

According to a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for stabilizing a virtual reality (VR) display system to a user, the method comprising:

- mounting the VR display system using a mounting means;

- coupling a suspension system to the VR display system and the mounting means;

- sensing, using a sensing device, one or more parameters associated with a viewing position and a head position of the user;

- determining, by a processor, a change in the one or more parameters received from the sensing device;

- determining, by the processor, a corresponding change required in the positioning of the VR display system relative to the user based on the change in the one or more parameters; and - actuating, by the processor, the suspension system for changing the positioning of the VR display system based on the change required in the positioning of the VR display system relative to the user.

It will be evident that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those skilled in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a stabilizer device for stabilizing a virtual reality (VR) display system to a user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an exemplary diagrammatic view of the stabilizer system that can be implemented for use in stabilizing the VR display system of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a hand-held stabilizer system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 4 is a mountable stabilizer system for facilitating a mounting of the VR display system to a substrate external to the user, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGs. 5, 6, and 7 are different configurations of support substrates on which the stabilizer system of the present disclosure can be implemented for use in facilitating a mounting of the VR display system, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 8 is an illustration of steps of a method for stabilizing the VR display system to the user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In overview, embodiments of the present disclosure are concerned with systems and methods for stabilizing a virtual reality (VR) display system to a user.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a block diagram of a stabilizer device 100 for stabilizing a virtual reality (VR) display system 102 to a user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The stabilizer device 100 comprises a mounting means 104, a suspension system 106, a sensing device 108, and a processor 110. The mounting means 104 of the stabilizer system facilitates a mounting of the VR display system 102 thereon. Further, the suspension system 106 can be coupled to the VR display system 102 and the mounting means 104. The sensing device 108 can be associated with the mounting means 104. The processor 110 can be communicatively coupled to the sensing device 108 and the suspension system 106. In an embodiment, the mounting means 104 is operable to hold or grip the VR display system 102. The mounting means 104 can hold or grip the VR display system 102 through: a clamp, a gripper, a hook, a magnetic coupler, a suction based device, an adhesion based device, a socket and a recess. It will be appreciated that the mounting means 104 can hold the VR system display 102 of any dimension. The suspension system 106 can be in form of an air suspension, a hydraulic suspension, a passive suspension, a torsion bar suspension, a damper, a shock absorber, an electromagnetic suspension, a hydropneumatic suspension and a magnetorheological damper. Referring to FIG. 2, an exemplary diagrammatic view of the stabilizer system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2, the mounting means 104 includes a base 202 and a mounting pole 204 links with the base 202. It may be noted that the configuration of the mounting means 104 having the pipe like structure is depicted in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2 is merely exemplary in nature, and hence, the mounting means 204 can be of any shape, size, made up of any material, and all such physical properties of the mounting means are non limiting to this disclosure. Persons skilled in the art will acknowledge that in other embodiments, other configurations of mounting means 104 may be suitably implemented for use in lieu of the base 202 and the mounting pole 204 disclosed herein for mounting the VR display system 102.

Further, the suspension system 106 includes at least one of actuator-driven resilient members 206 and dampers 208. As shown, one resilient member 206, for example, a spring, and one damper 208, for example, a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder is shown positioned on either side of the mounting pole 204 and located between the base 202 of the mounting means 104 and the VR display system 102. Also, it may be noted that the mounting pole 204 may preferably be connected to the base 202 in a pivotal manner to allow the mounting pole 204 to swivel about its axis. Further, the mounting pole 204 may comprise of segments (not shown) wherein the adjacent segments can be individually connected in a successive manner to render the mounting pole 204 flexible with respect to the base 202.

In an embodiment, the sensing system/device 108 can be associated with the base 202 of the mounting means 104or the mounting pole 204. Alternatively, the sensing device 108 can be in form of a standalone device. In an embodiment, the sensing system 108 can include at least one of a gyroscope, an accelerometer, an optical sensor, a camera, a vision sensor, a gazing sensor, an eye tracing sensor, a camcorder, a webcam, a video recorder, an image sensor, a 3D camera, a depth camera, a speed sensor and an infrared camera. The gyroscope can be any or a combination of a mechanical gyroscope, an electronic gyroscope, an electromechanical gyroscope, a rotary (classical) gyroscope, a vibrating structure gyroscope and an optical gyroscope. The sensing device 108 can be configured to sense one or more parameters associated with a viewing position (i.e. a gazing direction) and a head position of the user. In an embodiment, the sensing device 108 can be configured to detect a change in position and speed of movement of the user’s head. Additionally, or optionally, the sensing system can also be configured to detect a change in direction and speed of movement of the user’s gaze. The sensing system 108 transmits the determined one or more parameters to the processor 110.

In an embodiment, the processor 110 receives, the one or more parameters, transmitted by the sensing system 108. for an instance, the sensing system 108 such as the vision camera or the camera can continuously monitors one or more parameters (the user’s head position and gaze direction), and transmits the determined one or more parameters to the processor 110. In one example, the processor 110 may receive the user’s head position alone from the sensing device 108. In another example, the processor 110 may receive the user’s viewing position i.e., gaze direction alone from the sensing device 108. In yet another example, the processor 110 may receive both the head position and the viewing position of the user. In yet another example, in lieu of, or in addition to the head and viewing positions of the user, the processor 110 may also receive the speed of movement of the user’s head and/or the speed of movement in the direction of the user’s gaze. In an embodiment, the sensing device 108 includes the video recorder which is operable to record the parameters associated with the user, and transmits the recording to the processor 110. The processor 110 is operable to analyze the received recording to determine the user’s gazing and/or head direction. In an exemplary embodiment, The processor 110 is operable to segment the received recording in a plurality of frames, and detect the user’s face region in the frames by comparing a plurality of pixels within each of the analyzed frames and generates the user’s face region for each frame. Based on the comparison of user’s face within different frames, the processor 110 determines the change in the direction of the user’s head and rate/speed at which the user changes his/her head. Further, the processor 110 can extract data relates to a pupil, within the detected face region image and determines one or more gaze vector from the extracted pupil data. Based on the one or more gaze vector, the processor 110 determines the gazing direction of the user. The processor 110 can compare the user’s head and/or gazing direction of periodically or on run time to determine the difference in in the position of head and/or gaze in comparison to earlier position.

Further, the processor 110 is configured to determine a change in the one or more parameters received from the sensing device 108. For instance, the processor 110 may determine that the user has rotated his head clockwise about 15 degrees from the initial vertical position and that the gaze direction of the user has shifted upwards i.e., north to about 15 degrees above horizontal datum at a speed of about 3 centimeter per second (cm/s). Although a mere tilt in the head position is disclosed herein, the sensing device is also configured to detect/sense other types of head movements such as tilting of the head sideways from a vertical axis of the user, and as such other types of head movements are also taken into account by the processor 110, it may be noted that such other types of movements is also regarded as being included in the scope of the appended claims without deviating from the spirit of the present disclosure. Based on the determined changed head and/or gazing direction; the processor 110 is operable to determine a new position of the VR display system 102 in three dimensional spaces. The said new position can be complimentary to the user’s new position i.e. after the changing head and/or gazing direction.

Moreover, the processor 110 is also configured to determine the current position of the VR display system 102 based on the on-board the gyroscope and/or the accelerometer of the sensing device 108. Furthermore, the processor 110 is also configured to determine a corresponding change required in the positioning of the VR display system 102 relative to the user, based on the change in the one or more parameters i.e. user’s gaze and user’s head position. The processor 110 is configured to determine the required change in the positioning of the VR display system 102, based on a deviation between the current position of VR display system 102 and the new position of the VR display system 102. For example, the current position of the VR display system 102 in XYZ space (Three- dimensional space) is (18, 89, 19) and determined new position of the VR display system 102 in XYZ space is (12, 112, 19). The processor 110 calculates the difference between the new position and the current position as (-6, 23, 0). The processor 110 actuates the suspension system 106 to reposition the VR display system 102.

In an embodiment, the suspension system 106 is configured to reposition the VR display system 102. The suspension system 102 can comprise one or more suspension elements (not shown in the figure), wherein the one or more suspension elements are communicably coupled to the processor 110. The one or more suspension elements can expand and/or contract based on the signal, received from the possessor 110. The expansion or contraction of the one or more suspension element allowed the repositioning of the VR display system 102. In an embodiment, the suspension system 106 can have three different suspension elements corresponding to different directions (i.e. a first suspension element for X - axis, a second suspension element for Y - axis and a third suspension element for Z - axis).

Thereafter, the suspension system 106 changes the positioning of the VR display system 102 based on the determined change required in the positioning of the VR display system 102 relative to the user. Moreover, in an embodiment herein, it has been contemplated that when the processor 110 actuates the suspension system 106 to cause movement of the VR display system 102, a speed in movement of the VR display system 102 can be coterminous with the speed of change in the position of the user’s head and/or the speed of movement associated with the direction of the user’s gaze.

With regards to the foregoing example, the processor 110 may determine that a change required in the positioning of the VR display system 102 relative to the user is based on the change in the user’s head position and gaze direction, which results in rotation of the VR display system 102 clockwise about a vertical axis to about 30 degrees and a tilt i.e., pitch of the VR display system 102 in a top-forward manner to a corresponding 15 degrees at a speed of about 3 cm/s. Once the final position and speed of movement is determined for the VR display system 102, the processor 110 actuates the suspension system 106 to change the positioning of the VR display system 102 from its current position to a final position corresponding to the change required in the positioning of the VR display system 102 as determined by the processor 110.

In an embodiment, based on the determined data of the sensing device 108, the processor 110 determines the difference between the new position and the current position as (-6, 23, 0). Based on the determined difference, the processor 110 triggers the one or more suspension element to reposition the VR display system 102. For example, the processor transmits the repositioning information/signal to: the first suspension element for contraction of a 6 unit; the second suspension element to expand a 23 unit. The contraction and the expansion of the first and the second suspension element respectively results in modification of the positioning of the VR display system 102. In an embodiment herein, the suspension system 106 can have six degrees of freedom in movement for changing the position of the VR display system 102. This way, the VR display system 102 can be yawed, rolled, pitched besides being axially displaced in a configuration of tri-axial movement (as shown by mutually perpendicular arrows X, Y, and Z) to correspond with changes in the position of the user’s head and gaze direction. The processor 110 is also configured to control a speed of the expansion or the contraction of the one or more suspension elements to achieve the seamless repositioning of the mounted VR display system 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the speed of the expansion or the contraction of the one or more suspension elements can be synchronized with the determined speed of the movement of the head and/or eye. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting pole 204 is connected to the base 202 through a ball and a socket joint.

In an embodiment, the mounting means 104 includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to grip the VR display system 102 though one or more gripping elements. A clamp like structure is configured to the second end, to secure the stabilizer system 100 on the user desire surface. The gyroscope and the suspension system 106 is disposed between the first end the one or more gripping elements. The processor 110 and one or more sensors are disposed in the pole like structure of the mounting means 104.

In an embodiment, the stabilizer system 100 can include a power source (not shown in the figure) to provide an electric current to the different element/components. The power source can be in form of an alternative current or a direct current. The exemplary power source are: an aluminium-ion battery, a glass battery, a lithium-ion battery, a lithium ion polymer battery, a polymer-based battery, a rechargeable fuel battery, a battery pack, an alkaline battery, a dry cell, a galvanic cell and a lithium battery.

Referring to FIG. 3, the stabilizer system is shown adapted for hand-held use by the user according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, in this embodiment, the base 202 of the mounting means 104 is configured to protrude into a handle 302 that can be held by the user for handling the VR display system 102 thereon. The VR display system 102 is attached to the mounting means 104 by the clamp 320. The sensor device 108 comprises least one of the gyroscope, the accelerometer, the optical sensor, the camera, the vision sensor, the gazing sensor, the eye tracing sensor, the camcorder, the webcam, the video recorder, the image sensor, the 3D camera, the depth camera, the speed sensor, the infrared camera, a vibration sensor and a hand tremor sensor. The sensing device 108 is configured to determine and transmits the user’s head and/or the gazing direction to the processor 110. The processor 110 (not shown) analyses the received data and actuates the one or more suspension elements of the suspension system 108, to re orient the VR display system 102. In an embodiment, the one or more of the gyroscopes, the vibration sensors, the hand tremor sensors of the sensor device 108 are operable to determine a shaky hand of the user. The shaky hand condition may be due to in involuntary movement of hand, a disease condition such as Alzheimer dieses or due to the user is in motion such as running, walking etc. The determined data related to the shaky hand is transmitted to the processor 110 to determine degree of shaky hand. The processor 110 is configured to compensate the movement of the VR display system 102 due to the vibration of the user’s hand, through the suspension system 106.

Alternatively, as shown in the view of FIG. 4, the stabilizer system is mountable onto a substrate 402 that is external to the user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4, the base 202 of the mounting means 104 is configured to include a pair of resilient arms 404 that together form a clip 406. This clip 406 can be operated to grip the substrate 402, for example, a handle 302 of a chair, a ledge on a wall, a door of a vehicle, or any other suitable substrate 402 known in the art. Although the clip 406, formed using the pair of resilient arms 404 is shown herein, it may be noted that the clip 406 is to be regarded as being merely exemplary in nature, and hence, non-limiting of this disclosure. It is evident to a person ordinarily skilled in the art that the stabilizer device 100 disclosed herein can include other types of attachment means in lieu of the clip 406 for facilitating a quick, easy, and releasable engagement with the substrate 402.

Referring to FIG. 5, a first configuration of a support substrate 500 is depicted for facilitating a mounting of the VR display system 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The support substrate 500 shown herein is embodied in the form of a mounting pole 502 having one end 504 that can be fixed to a ceiling 508 while another end 506 of the mounting pole 502 is provided with the stabilizer system 100 thereon. The VR display system 102 can be releasably attached to the stabilizer system 100 by commonly known means such as fastening using, the HEX bolts, the allen screws, or other releasable attachment means known to persons skilled in the art. In an embodiment, the support substrate 500 can be in form of the pole, a chain, a rope and a spring. The support substrate 500 can be in form of the spring and user can adjust the length of the substrate 500 by pulling the spring through a handle (not shown in the figure) which is attached to the substrate 500. In an alternative embodiment, the support substrate 500 can be in form of a telescopic pipe which enables the length adjustment of the pipe by pulling down the telescopic pipe. The user can push back the telescopic pipe to an original position after the usage. The stabilizer system 100 includes the sensing device 102 having plurality of sensors to determine the user’s head and gaze direction, a suspension system 106 and a processor 110. The user mounts the VR system to the stabilizer system. The sensing device 102 can determine the direction of user’s head and/or gazing direction through the one or more mounted sensors. The processor 110 analyzes the determined data associated with user’s head and/gazing direction, and determines the new position required in accordance to the user’s head and/or gaze direction. The required position of the VR display system 102 can be expressed in the term of the X, Y and Z coordinates. Based on the requirement of change in the current position of the VR system, the processor 110 activates the suspension system 106. The suspension system includes multiple actuator- driven resilient members which are mounted to change the direction of the VR display system 102 in X, Y and Z direction. For example, the processor 110 determines only change in gazing direction to downward direction and based on that determination of change in the gazing direction, the processor triggers the one or more actuator-driven resilient members corresponding to vertical direction and change the position of the VR system towards the upward direction. Alternatively, user changes his head position towards right direction and change gazing towards the left direction, the processor determines that change in the gazing compensate the movement of the head, and the processor will not activate the suspension system.

Referring to FIG. 6, a second type of a support substrate 600 is depicted for facilitating mounting of the VR display system (not shown), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The support substrate 600 shown herein includes a backing plate 602 that can be affixed to a wall 608. The support substrate 600 also includes a ledge member 604 that extends forwardly from the backing plate 602 i.e., in a direction away from the wall 608. The support substrate 600 and the ledge member 604 are attached through a joint. An underside 606 of the ledge member 604 includes the stabilizer system 100 to which a pivot plate 610 is affixed. The stabilizer system includes the VR system mounting means 104. The mounting means 104 comprises the multiple holding/gripping elements to hold the VR display system 102. In an exemplary embodiment, two or more gripping elements/ appendages 612 that are adapted to co-operatively hold the VR display system 102 therein. Alternatively, as shown, the appendages 612 may include notches 614 as shown. These notches 614 may be configured to correspond with one or more structurally characteristic features of the VR display system 102, for example, grooves, protrusions, quick release catch members, or other suitable structures known to persons skilled in the art. Although notches, grooves, protrusions, and quick release catch members are disclosed herein, it will be acknowledged that these structures are merely exemplary in nature, and hence, non-limiting of this disclosure. Persons skilled in the art may implement any known securing means in lieu of, or in addition to those disclosed herein for releasably securing the VR display system to the appendages 612. In an embodiment, the joint between the support substrate 600 and the ledge member 604 can be a tumbuckle joint, a cotter joint, a bolted joint, screw joint, a ball and socket joint, a pivot joint, a gliding joint, a mortar and pestle joint, a hinge joint and a saddle joint. A free moving joint such as the ball and socket joint or the mortar and pestle joint allow a free rotation of the ledge member 604 with respect to the support substrate 600. The free rotation allows the user to adjust the ledge member 604. The sensing device 108, the suspension system 106 and the processor 110 of the stabilizing system 100 which are communicably coupled to each other’s to modify the orientation of the VR system 100. The processor 110 of the system is operable to analyze the sensing device 108 based determined data of the user’s head and/or gazing direction and identify the required new position of VR system 100. The processor 110 is operable to trigger the suspension system 106. Activation of the suspension system 106, results in the modification of the orientation of the VR system 100.

Referring to FIG. 7, a third type of a support substrate 700 is depicted for facilitating a mounting of the VR display system (not shown), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The support substrate 700 shown herein is embodied in the form of a chair 702 having a base 704 that can be supported on a substantially horizontal floor. A canopy 708 is configured to arcuately extend from a posterior portion 710 of the chair 702 to an anterior portion 712 so that an end 714 of the canopy 708 can be provided with a support bracket 716 facing a back support 718 for the user (not shown). This way, when the user is seated in the chair 702, the user can view the VR display system 100 that can be mounted to the support bracket 716. In this configuration, it is envisioned that the stabilizer device (not shown) of the present disclosure can be located within the support bracket 716. The stabilizer device can therefore, be configured to stabilize the VR display system to the user. In and embodiment, the stabilizer device 100 can be mounted on the head rest, a hand rest or the seat element. The canopy 708 can have 6- degrees of freedom and the user can change the position of the VR display system 102.

The elements/components of the stabilizing system 100 can be manufactured by any methods are known state of the art such as an injection molding, an extrusion molding, a blow molding, a compression molding, a rotational molding, a vacuum forming, a die casting, a sand casting, stamping, a forging, a 3D printing, a chemical vapour deposition, a sputter deposition, a sintering, a pressing, a rolling, a bending, a trimming, a shaving, a notching, etc. A variety of material can be used to manufacture the elements/components of the stabilizing system 100. The exemplary material can be used are: a metal such as a stainless steel, a boron alloy, a titanium, an aluminum, a copper, a magnesium, a brass, a tin, an iron, a metal alloy; a plastic such as a polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE), a high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), a polycarbonate, a polystyrene; and other types of materials such as a carbon fiber, a cement and a composite concrete.

Referring to FIG. 8, there are shown steps of a method 800 for stabilizing the VR display system 102 to the user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown at step 802, the method 800 comprises mounting the VR display system 102 using the mounting means 104. At step 804, the method 800 includes coupling the suspension system 106 to the VR display system 102 and the mounting means 104. At step 806, the method 800 includes sensing, using the sensing device 108, one or more parameters associated with a viewing position and a head position of the user. At step 808, the method 800 further includes determining, by the processor 110, a change in the one or more parameters received from the sensing device 108. At step 810, the method 800 further includes determining, by the processor 110, a corresponding change required in the positioning of the VR display system 102 relative to the user based on the change in the one or more parameters. At step 812, the method 800 further includes actuating, by the processor 110, the suspension system 106 for changing the positioning of the VR display system 102 based on the change required in the positioning of the VR display system 102 relative to the user. The processor 110 as disclosed herein may include a single microprocessor/microcontroller or multiple microprocessors/ microcontrollers therein to perform functions that are consistent with the present disclosure.

Although the embodiments of the present disclosure are described for virtual realty system, however, any device such as a mobile phone, television, a computer, a laptop, a projector and the like display systems can be utilized for stabilization. All such devices are within the scope of the present disclosure.

In the embodiment, the stabilizer device for stabilizing the virtual reality (VR) display system 102 to the user, the stabilizer device 100 comprising: the mounting means 104 for mounting the VR display system 102; the suspension system 106; the sensing device 108 associated with the mounting means 104, the sensing device 108 configured to sense one or more parameters associated with the viewing position and the head position of the user; the processor 110 communicatively coupled to the sensing device 108 and the suspension system 106, the processor 110 configured to: receive the sensed one or more parameters from the sensing device 108; determine the change in the one or more parameters received from the sensing device 108; determine the corresponding change required in the positioning of the VR display system 102 relative to the user based on the change in the one or more parameters; and actuate the suspension system 106 to change the positioning of the VR display system 102 based on the determined change required in the positioning of the VR display system 102 relative to the user.

In an embodiment, the method for stabilizing the virtual reality (VR) display system 102 to the user, the method comprising: mounting the VR display system 102 using the mounting means 104; coupling the suspension system 104 to the VR display system 102 and the mounting means 104; sensing, using the sensing device 108, one or more parameters associated with the viewing position and the head position of the user; determining, by the processor 110, the change in the one or more parameters received from the sensing device 108; determining, by the processor, the corresponding change required in the positioning of the VR display system relative to the user based on the change in the one or more parameters; and actuating, by the processor 110, the suspension system 106 for changing the positioning of the VR display system 102 based on the change required in the positioning of the VR display system relative to the user. In an embodiment, the stabilizer device 100 can be of any dimension and weight. The stabilizer device 100 can be, based on application, heavy weight such as 25kg which can be lifted by external means. Alternatively, the stabilizer system 100 can be light weighed such as 300 gm so that can be comfortably lifted by the user and/or mount on the user body part such as shoulder, a back and chest. The stabilizer system 100 can be mounted on the user by use of the suitable fasting means such as one or more straps/belt, fasten to the cloths ets.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure overcomes one or more disadvantages associated with conventional systems.

The present invention provides a stabilizer device for a virtual reality (VR) display system.

The present invention enables a user to experience virtual reality without wearing the VR display system.

The present invention automatically adjusts the VR display system which is mounted on a stand.

The present invention provides a seamless experience of the VR display system.

The present invention provides a self-alignment of the VR display system according to movement of the user head.

The present invention provides a self-alignment of the VR display system according to movement of the user gazing direction.

The present invention provides the stabilizer system which is used to position the VR display system at a location relatively far away from the user’s eye compared to conventionally known headset-mounted VR systems, the user is likely to experience little or no strain to the eye. Also, the user can be fully aware of his/her surroundings while viewing the VR display system. Moreover, since the VR display system is located away from the user’s eye, the VR display system can be used by multiple users without the risk of infection to the eyes of the respective users. Furthermore, as the weight of the VR display system is not borne by the user in any way, the VR display system can now present a pleasant experience to the user while mitigating the discomfort and fatigue experienced previously when conventionally known headset-mounted VR system were worn for extended periods of time.

Thus, the system and the method substantially overcome various problems associated with conventional techniques of mounting VR display systems.

The suspension system facilities a flexible positioning of the VR display system relative to the mounting means.

The stabilizer device can be rendered with a compact form that is convenient for the user to carry around from one location to another.

Modifications to embodiments of the invention described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims . Expressions such as“including”,“comprising”,“incorporating”,“co nsisting of’,“have”, “is” used to describe and claim the present invention are intended to be construed in a non exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural. Numerals included within parentheses in the accompanying claims are intended to assist understanding of the claims and should not be construed in any way to limit subject matter claimed by these claims.

Claims - We claim:

1. A stabilizer device for stabilizing a virtual reality (VR) display system to a user, the stabilizer device comprising:

a mounting means for mounting the VR display system;

a suspension system;

a sensing device associated with the mounting means, the sensing device configured to sense one or more parameters associated with a viewing position and a head position of the user;

a processor communicatively coupled to the sensing device and the suspension system, the processor configured to:

- receive the sensed one or more parameters from the sensing device;

- determine a change in the one or more parameters received from the sensing device;

- determine a corresponding change required in the positioning of the VR display system relative to the user based on the change in the one or more parameters; and

- actuate the suspension system to change the positioning of the VR display system based on the determined change required in the positioning of the VR display system relative to the user.

2. The stabilizer device of claim 1, wherein the mounting system comprises a base, a mounting pole supported on the base and the one or more gripping elements.

3. The stabilizer device of claim 2, wherein the one or more gripping elements are select from a set of: a clamp, a hand gripper, a pneumatic gripper, a gripper, a hook, a jaw, an, a finger gripper, angular gripper a magnetic coupler, a suction based gripper, a parallel gripper an adhesion based gripper, a socket and a recess.

4. The stabilizer device of claim 1, wherein the sensing system comprises at least one of: a gyroscope, an accelerometer, an optical sensor, a camera, a vision sensor, a gazing sensor, an eye tracing sensor, a camcorder, a webcam, a video recorder, an image sensor, a 3D camera, a depth camera, a speed sensor and an infrared camera. The stabilizer device of claim 1, wherein the sensing system is configured to detect a change in position and speed of movement of the user’s head, sing system is configured to detect a change in direction and speed of movement of the user’s gaze. The stabilizer device of claim 1, wherein the suspension system includes at least one of: actuator-driven resilient member, an air suspension, a hydraulic suspension, a passive suspension, a torsion bar suspension, a damper, a shock absorber, an electromagnetic suspension and a hydropneumatic suspension.

The stabilizer device of claim 1, wherein the suspension system has six degrees of freedom in movement for changing the position of the VR display system based on the change in the one or more parameters sensed by the sensing device. The stabilizer device of claim 1, wherein the stabilizer device is at least one of: hand-held, mountable to the user, and mountable on a substrate external to the user.

The stabilizer device of claim 1, wherein a speed in movement of the VR display system is coterminous with at least one of: a speed of change in the position of the user’s head and a speed of movement associated with the direction of the user’s gaze. A method for stabilizing a virtual reality (VR) display system to a user, the method comprising:

mounting the VR display system using a mounting means;

coupling a suspension system to the VR display system and the mounting means; sensing, using a sensing device, one or more parameters associated with a viewing position and a head position of the user;

determining, by a processor, a change in the one or more parameters received from the sensing device;

determining, by the processor, a corresponding change required in the positioning of the VR display system relative to the user based on the change in the one or more parameters; and

actuating, by the processor, the suspension system for changing the positioning of the VR display system based on the change required in the positioning of the VR display system relative to the user.